Coffee with Creamer

Barry revisits a well-known set of verses in a somewhat less known Psalm for Sanctity of Life week. While Psalm 139 does indicate that our beginning is “fearful and wonderful” it also explains why our end is sacred.     Scriptures: Psalm 139, 119:105 Job 38:1-4 James 1:16-18 Gen 3:16

Barry highlights newsworthy events from 1984 to the present. These events gave shape to America. Will only the events shape 2024, or will we determine the outcome? Articles: The Biggest News Story Every Year Since 1950, 24/7 Wall St.; A Guide to Middle East Politics in 2014, The Guardian  

Barry walks down Decade Lane a bit, starting with 1954 to talk about events occurring in the world that shaped America. As we look at our future through the past, a question comes to mind: is time hurtling us down the path, or do we have a say in the matter? Referenced Episode: Colorblindness Rehab […]

In Psalm 63, Barry traces a pattern that leads to praise through some very difficult times. Picture the context of a wilderness with the strength of a memory that enables us to relive the faithfulness of God. It’s strange that the loss of something creates room for its memory, which then opens a hidden path […]

Barry talks with Dr. Scott Bridger about Christians in Gaza, their struggles during wartime, and why their presence is necessary if peace is ever to come to the region. We must cheer the gospel on as we see the teachings of Jesus offer the world peace through his ambassadors. Article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/november/israel-gaza-ceasefire-palestinian-christians-west-bank-evac.html  

Barry looks at Matthew 2’s account of the birth of the world’s King. His entry into the world brought down the powerful, lifted up the lowly, and invited in the outsider. And it still does.     Scriptures: Matt 2, 4:12-17 Micah 5:2 James 4:1-10 Eph 3:1-7 Hosea 11:1 Jer 31:15 Is 11 John 1:46

Barry finishes up his discussion of the hot topics free speech and vulnerable people groups. Despite the dilemmas and conflicts that emerge he reminds us to act first in the interest of others, and last in the interest of self. Article: https://connect.chronicle.com/index.php/email/emailWebview?email=OTMxLUVLQS0yMTgAAAGPsVZNuoEC5jsBfl4b6id1OmUecj3oc33DKDeJPyti36MGr0tl7v2JLKbNnio5jyQgo_x2wh4MD1JmAhcXgWYbE0e0V2qKIjDnVQ  

Barry brings up two hot topics: free speech and vulnerable people groups. How does a society protect both at the same time and, more importantly for us, how should Christians think of these topics in the light of our calling to be peacemakers? Scriptures: Lev 19:13-15, James 5 Referenced Episode: Terms of Peace Ep 1 […]

Barry walks us through Psalm 70, reminding us that humility is the best place from which to cry out to God. His ears are tuned to need—not because he wants to be needed, but because our true selves need.       Scriptures: Psalm 70, 13:1-2, 79:5-7, 89:46-47 Rev 6:9-11 2 Cor 12

Reminiscing about radio shows from back in the day, Barry and Daisy resurrect the “Free-For-All Friday” format to talk about common things for which to be thankful and what an attitude of thankfulness can do for us and could do for others. Article: Frontiers | The Cultivation of Pure Altruism via Gratitude: A Functional MRI […]